Biodiversity education is widely considered a necessary component of protecting global biodiversity by helping to change harmful attitudes and actions. BioBlitz events, rapid surveys of all living things in a defined area over a set period, are becoming a widely used practice for biodiversity education. The aim of this study was to evaluate the…

Sometimes taking innovative approach to learning means changing the venue. Traditional schooling takes place within walls, but an outdoor environment offers significant benefit in terms of learning through experience.

At James Cook University, a core first-year subject within the Bachelor of Education, Foundations of Sustainability in Education (FSE), sees students investigate the underlying science and complexity of socioecological challenges through inquiry, place-based learning, experimentation and consideration of classroom practice. Given that this subject…

Young people in the U.S. are falling behind their peers in the rest of the developed world in science, technology, engineering, and math. The Program for International Student Assessment study, conducted every three years, ranked the U.S. 24th in math and science out of 29 countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development…

Over the past three decades, environmental issues have been on the global forefront and continue to affect people's daily lives. Although the need for environmental attention is at an all-time high, outdoor and environmental education (OEE) plays an insufficient role in school systems. As technology continues to contribute to advancements in every…

At the authors' school, as in many places, she struggles with making science a meaningful part of her students' lives. The teachers are working under state mandates to prepare students for reading and mathematics tests in third, fourth, and fifth grades. Often, this relegates science and social studies to a distant back burner. In an effort to…

When Gary Hamilton became principal of Monongahela Elementary Center (MEC) over 10 years ago, he wanted to establish a nature trail on the four acres of wooded area on the east side of the school. "Children today are into so many structured activities they are denied opportunities to learn about nature firsthand," he said. "I want kids to…

Described is the background and methodology of this study including the sample and the instrument development. Copies of the instruments are included. The success of the program as measured by these instruments is reported. (CW)

Described is a chemistry program for high school students in rural Pennsylvania administered by Juniata College. Support, programing, equipment, and management of this van-based program are discussed. The positive effects on the students, teachers, and the college community are stressed. (CW)

A program that allows teachers to see what is going on in the world beyond the classroom is described. During the program, teachers will be able to use lab equipment, witness experiments, and hear about state-of-the-art science from working scientists and mathematicians. (KR)

Describes a 10 week Saturday program in open-ended, hands-on science activity. Sessions emphasize three stages of learning: (1) messing about with concrete materials; (2) introduction of new equipment and probing questions; and (3) large group sharing session. Discusses the teacher's role and extended activities. (MA)

Describes development of a successful experiential education program to involve Baltimore County (Maryland) students (grades K-12) in studying the Gunpowder River, which empties into Chesapeake Bay. Identifies success factors including creative teachers, availability and cooperation of local resources, and parental involvement. (NEC)

The efforts of three science teachers in individualizing an existing eighth grade physical science program are analyzed. The individualized program utilizes team teaching, student choice in selecting contracts, and extension of the standard eighth grade physical science curriculum. (MN)

A project that introduced scientists to students and engaged students in creative scientific activities is described. Students were asked to help scientists identify patterns on the wing of a species of fruit fly. A combined research/education program is recommended. (KR)

The development of a spaceflight simulation program as part of a research and development course is described. Topics such as space exploration, design, propulsion, aerodynamics of space craft, robotics, communication, construction, medicine, lasers, hydroponics, geology, chemistry, and space physiology are emphasized. (KR)